Why Buhari approved payment of N40m to Obasanjo, Jonathan, Atiku, others – SGF, Mustapha
Why
Buhari approved payment of N40m to Obasanjo, Jonathan, Atiku, others – SGF,
Mustapha
Boss Mustapha, the Secretary to the Government of the
Federation, SGF, has disclosed why the Federal Government paid N40m to former
presidents instead of buying them vehicles as prescribed by the law.
Mustapha said the decision was adopted to allow the former
Presidents purchase vehicles of their choice.
Speaking at the 2018 budget defence session before members of the Senate
committee on Federal Character and Inter-Governmental Affairs, on Thursday,
Mustapha stressed that the former presidents were entitled to vehicles of their
choice.
According to the SGF, “They are entitled to that by law. We
took a decision that instead of buying these vehicles, we should give them the
money and let them buy vehicles of their choices.
“One of them qualified for it this year and that was why the
N40 million was paid. The remaining, hopefully will qualify for it next year or
thereabout.”
Report had it that the President Muhammadu Buhari-led
Federal Government approved the sum for the purchase of vehicles by former
Presidents and Heads of State.
Vehicles worth N120m were also approved to be purchased for former
Vice-Presidents.
Although vehicles for ex-presidents were to be purchased
directly by the government, it has decided to monetise same.
The beneficiaries include Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, Mr.
Goodluck Jonathan, Alhaji Shehu Shagari, Gen. Yakubu Gowon (retd.), Gen.
Ibrahim Babangida (retd.); and Chief Ernest Shonekan.
The former Vice-Presidents include Abubakar Atiku, Mr. Sambo
Dasuki, the late Alex Ekwueme and all former chiefs of General Staff.
Mustapha had earlier urged the National Assembly to hasten work on the
appropriation of 2018 budget proposal.